These 11 events celebrating area music, outdoor fun, art, dining, sports and nonprofits are sure to get you out of hibernation

Art LoopFriday, March 2, 5 p.m.Downtown Wilmingtoninwilmingtonde.comThe Wilmington Art Loop continues to bring together art lovers as well as the broader community to experience downtown. Three featured Out & About cover artists, Terrance Vann, Patrick Warner and Eunice LaFate, will display their works in celebration of O&A’s 30th Anniversary. At Chelsea Tavern, guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres in honor of Warner, who recently announced his retirement after 22 years in the graphic design industry due to his muscular dystrophy. Beer sales from the event will go to the Myositis Support and Understanding Association.

Shine A Light On 1968Saturday, March 3The Queen Theater500 N. Market St.lightupthequeen.org
The annual fundraiser Shine a Light on the Queen has become a musical spectacle worth seeing, and this year’s 1968 theme is sure to entertain. Utilizing a “Musical Chairs” approach, musicians will swap in and out of their respective groups to play classic hits from 1968, adding their own distinct sound and feel. Shine A Light On 1968 will celebrate psychedelia, Motown, Rock and more, paying homage to a year that lit the fuse for the explosion of one of the most memorable music eras of the last century. The event will benefit the Light Up the Queen Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Queen Theater.

St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSaturday, March 10, noonDowntown WilmingtonSláinte! The 43rd annual parade hosted by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware will proceed along King Street, past the grandstand at Rodney Square, and end near 14th Street, where the hooley will be held.

28th Annual St. Paddy’s LoopSaturday, March 10, 7 p.m.12 Wilmington venuesoutandaboutnow.comFollowing the parade, Delaware’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party will take place at 12 area hotspots—Catherine Rooney’s, Chelsea Tavern, Club Lavish, Dead Presidents, Ernest & Scott Taproom, Gallucio’s Café, Grotto Pizza, Kelly’s Logan House, The Queen, Timothy’s on the Riverfront, Trolley Square Oyster House and Trolley Tap House. The 28th annual St. Paddy’s Loop is partnering with Lyft to provide a ride discount code on all wristbands, which are $10 and can be purchased at any of the venues.

Heart of the Home Kitchen TourSaturday, April 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Wilmington, Newark, Hockessin, Southern Chester Countyjlwilmington.orgThis self-guided tour will showcase some of the finest kitchens in the Wilmington area.Approximately 15 kitchens will be on display, each with unique design, distinct features and quality craftsmanship. Since 2004, the proceeds from the Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour have supported the Junior League of Wilmington’s community-minded mission and programs.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Opening WeekendThursday & Friday, April 12-13Frawley Stadium801 Shipyard Dr., Wilmingtonbluerocks.comThe 2018 season of Blue Rocks Baseball launches with the Lynchburg Hillcats coming to town. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6:35. The night includes a magnet giveaway—the first 5,000 fans will receive a 2018 schedule magnet, courtesy of Kunzler & Company. And every Thursday home game features Beer:30, presented by Dogfish Head Brewery. Select Dogfish beers will be available for just $3 for a limited time in the Dogfish Head First Base Picnic Area. On Friday, April 13, join Out & About Magazine for a special happy hour celebrating our 30th anniversary and 25-year partnership with the Blue Rocks.

City Restaurant WeekApril 16-21Various Wilmington locationscityrestaurantweek.comAnnual showcase of Wilmington’s fine dining scene as 15 restaurants take part in City Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe $15 lunches and $35 dinners. These showcased dining establishments are all owner-operated—which means there won’t be a chain restaurant in the bunch.

Cinco de Mayo Loop and Market Street PartySaturday, May 5, 8 p.m.Wilmington areaoutandaboutnow.comCelebrate the date by taking part in the Cinco de Mayo Loop and Market Street Party. Dress up in festive attire and enjoy the great flavors and sounds of Mexico at local venues. A one-time cover charge will grant access to all participating clubs.

Wilmington Grand PrixMay 18-20
Downtown Wilmingtonwilmgrandprix.comThe Wilmington Grand Prix, one of the premier criterium-style bike races in the U.S., will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year. The technical nature of the course is recognized by racers and enthusiastic fans alike, making this track a mainstay on the USA Cycling’s (USAC) National Racing Calendar. And the entertainment, food and drink options for bystanders are not to be missed.

Since 1988,
Out & About has informed our audience of entertainment options in Greater Wilmington through a monthly variety magazine. Today, that connection has expanded to include social networking, a weekly newsletter, and a comprehensive website. We also create, manage, and sponsor local events.